Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jordan Ramey, co-owner and COO of Burwood Distillery, located in Calgary, AB, Canada. Jordan was also a Professor of Brewing Science at Olds College.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are an independently owned local craft distillery. We founded Burwood to honor our cultural heritage by crafting connections and distilling lasting memories in our community.

Tell us about yourself

I was an anthrax & cancer researcher before moving into the beverage trade. I've been training craft brewers and distillers in Alberta since 2013 as Prof. of Brewing Science at Olds College. In 2016, myself and my two partners founded Burwood Distillery. My driving passion in this industry is to celebrate Alberta in liquid form, to grow the burgeoning craft spirits industry, and to put Alberta on the map as a global leader in whisky production.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Surviving the first five years and moving into an expansion project to grow into a historic building located in the heart of Calgary.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Paperwork. It's never the fun part of the job, but as a regulated industry, paperwork is crucial in all that we do.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Start with a solid foundation.
  2. Hire a good accountant/CFO.
  3. Love what you do. If you don't love it, your business will never grow to its full potential.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Don't let "what if" hold you back. Make a solid plan, reach out to other entrepreneurs for assistance, and dive in! You'll make mistakes for sure, but you'll grow along the way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/burwooddistillery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burwooddistillery/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/burwoodspirits
Location: https://g.page/burwooddistillery?share

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.